The European rental car market is part of the tourism and business trips industries. It’s convenient and flexible for travelers. Understanding the price dynamics of rental cars will help you make the right choices and help businesses plan their offerings. Our article will give you a full guide to car hire price statistics in Europe for 2024-2025, covering trends, factors that influence prices, regional variations, and how to compare car rental deals to find the best options.
European Car Rental Market Overview
The European car and van rental market is growing rapidly driven by tourism, business travel and the convenience of car hire services. To rent a car in Europe, customers must hold a valid driving licence, often required to be held for a minimum of one year.
Car hire companies play a critical role in this market by offering a wide range of options and competitive costs. The market for car rentals is expanding yearly. Established players like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and new entrants like Getmancar are using more efficient online car rental platforms to grab market share.
Players
Hertz Corporation, Enterprise Holdings, and others are the major players in the market. They offer a wide range of vehicles and vans for rent, from budget to luxury models, to cater to different customer preferences and needs. Additionally, you can find a great car hire deal from these companies by comparing costs and customer ratings.
Global Car Rental Market Growth and Economic Factors
The global car rental industry market is driven by:
- Economic stability
- Fuel price
- Technology
EVs and ride-sharing services are also on the rise and playing a big role in the market.
Additionally, customers can search and find the best car and van hire deals from hire companies in search of over 70,000 locations worldwide.
Factors That Influence Car Hire Deal Prices in Europe
- Seasonal variations: The price vary greatly by season. Peak seasons like summer and main holiday see higher orders and costs. Off-peak seasons always have better rates.
- Travel trends: Tourism heavily affects car and van hire costs. Regions with high tourist influx, like Southern Europe, have higher rental rates. Additionally, the requirement for a valid driving licence, often held for a minimum of one year, can influence car hire prices, especially for younger drivers or those renting high-end vehicles.
- Fuel and economic conditions: Fuel directly impacts hire costs. A higher fuel price means higher rental rates, as agencies pass on these costs to customers.
- Regional pricing difference: Hire car costs differ across European regions. Western Europe has higher prices due to the higher cost of living, while Eastern Europe has more budget options.
Additionally, vehicle availability varies by location, influencing rental car prices in different regions.
Average Hire Car Price by Country
Economy vehicle type is the cheapest to rent, while luxury or SUVs are more expensive to rent due to their premium features and higher maintenance costs. The table below shows the average hire car costs in major European countries for 2024:
| Country | Economy Car (€) | Luxury Car (€) | SUV (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 30 | 100 | 70 |
| France | 35 | 110 | 75 |
| Germany | 32 | 105 | 72 |
| Spain | 25 | 90 | 65 |
| Italy | 28 | 95 | 68 |
| Sweden | 40 | 120 | 80 |
| Poland | 20 | 80 | 60 |
| Hungary | 22 | 85 | 62 |
| Czech Republic | 24 | 88 | 64 |
Car Hire Services Price Forecast for 2025
The rental car market will continue to grow in 2025. Trends will include the rise of electric hire cars and the increasing popularity of online popular car hire platforms.
Economic stability in Europe will mean moderate price increase. However, inflation and economic uncertainties will play a role in pricing.
Electric vehicles and car hire technology advancements like mobile apps and online platforms for easy reservation will impact car hire deals and cost.
Hiring electric vehicles may have premium pricing but have fuel cost savings.
To get the top value, comparing various rental car deals in different location, including options for luxury cars, SUVs, vans, and more will be essential.
Price Change Analysis
From 2024 to 2025 we can expect a small increase due to economic and market factors. The data table below:
| Country | 2024 Avg. Price (€) | 2025 Avg. Price (€) | Change % | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 30 | 32 | 6.70% | ||||
| France | 35 | 37 | 5.70% | ||||
| Germany | 32 | 34 | 6.30% | ||||
| Spain | 25 | 26 | 4.00% | ||||
| Italy | 28 | 29 | 3.60% | ||||
| Sweden | 40 | 42 | 5.00% | ||||
| Poland | 20 | 21 | 5.00% | ||||
| Hungary | 22 | 23 | 4.50% | ||||
| Czech Republic | 24 | 25 | 4.20% |
Factors like increased need for hire car rentals, fuel price and economic conditions are the reasons for these changes. The rising number of tourists and business travelers will also drive up rental car prices.
To navigate these changes, it’s crucial to find the best car hire deals and save money on road trip.
Finding The Best Car Hire Deals
- Book your car rental in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Early booking often comes with discounts, and you’ll get the car you want. Ensure you have a valid driving licence to avoid any issues during the booking process.
- Use different websites to compare prices across different car rental agencies. Websites like Autorentalinsider, Kayak, Expedia, and others allow you to compare rates from big providers like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and local hire agencies. This will help you find budget options.
- Look for special offers or discount codes. Many rental companies offer the best deals through partnerships with airlines, hotels, and credit card firms.
- Choose a car that’s right for your trip. Economy cars are budget and fuel friendly, perfect for city driving. For family trips or road trips, consider a larger car like an SUV for more space and comfort.
- Consider the pick-up location when booking your car rental. Choosing a convenient pick-up location can save you time and make your rental experience smoother.
Booking Tips for Best Deals
- Join loyalty programs of big car rental companies like Enterprise Holdings and Hertz. These programs offer members discounts, free upgrades, and other benefits.
- If your travel dates are flexible, try changing them to see if the rental price changes. Midweek rentals are often cheaper than weekend rates.
- Sometimes, booking your car rental with flights or hotels can save you money. Many travel websites offer packages with the best deals, including car rentals.
- Some car rental companies offer discounts if you pay at the time of booking rather than upon pick-up. This can also save you time during the rental process.
- Consider the option to hire a car at various locations, including airports and off-site locations, to find the best deal.
Insurance and Fees
- Common options are Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection and Supplemental Liability Insurance. Make sure you’re covered without paying for extras you don’t need.
- Some car rental companies charge extra for services like GPS, child seats, additional drivers, and one-way rentals. Read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid surprises.
- Check the rental company’s fuel policy. Options are full-to-full (return the car with a full tank) or pre-purchase (pay for a full tank in advance). Full-to-full is usually the cheapest.
- If you plan to drive across borders, check if your rental agreement allows it. Some rental companies charge extra for cross-border rentals or have restrictions on the countries you can visit.
- Comparing car rental deals can help you find the best options and avoid unnecessary fees.
Which Car Hire Company to Choose
- Choose a well-established car rental company with good reviews. Companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Getmancar, and Hertz are reliable and provide good service.
- Go for companies with pick-up and drop-off locations at airports or major train stations, with a free cancellation policy and flexible rental terms. This will save you time and transportation cost.
- Good service is key, especially if you encounter problems during your rental period. Make sure the company you choose has a responsive customer service team.
Special Notes
- Make sure your car has air conditioning in warm weather. This is especially important if you’ll be driving long distances.
- Always read your agreement for the possibility of hidden costs and extra fees.
- With the increasing number of tourists from Asia Pacific, some rental companies offer services tailored to their needs, including multilingual support and special packages.
- Always compare costs and customer ratings to find the best car hire deal.
Now, you’re ready to conquer the European car hire scene. Happy travels!
Price Trends in Key Tourist Destinations
The car rental market in Europe is highly dynamic. Using detailed case studies, we explore the rental price trends in some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Italy: Rome and Florence
Italy remains a top destination for global tourists. During peak tourist seasons, especially summer months, car hire prices in Rome city and Florence are expected to see significant increases.
- Rome: In July 2024, car hire in Rome surged by 20% compared to the off-peak season. This spike can be attributed to the influx of tourists during the summer holidays, with visitors seeking the convenience of renting cars to explore historical sites and the scenic countryside.
- Florence: Similarly, Florence experienced an 18% rise in rental car prices during the peak tourist season.
Spain: Barcelona and Madrid
The car hire market in Spain also sees considerable fluctuations based on popular car, location and season.
- Barcelona: Barcelona, known for its stunning architecture and beaches, witnessed a 22% increase in rental prices in August 2024. The demand for rental cars, particularly luxury cars and SUVs, peaked as tourists sought to explore both the city and the surrounding Catalonia region.
- Madrid: In Madrid, the capital city, prices increased by 18% during the peak travel months. The car rental business here rises with the influx of tourists and business travelers, contributing to the overall growth in the car rental industry.
Impact of Major Events
Major events have a profound impact on car rental prices, often leading to temporary but significant price increases. Let’s explore how specific events have influenced significant growth in the rental car market in Europe.
Germany: UEFA Euro 2024
The UEFA Euro 2024, hosted by Germany, was a major event that significantly impacted the car rental market. The tournament attracted a large number of international visitors, leading to a surge in the tourism industry and demand for rental cars.
- Event Period Impact: During the event period, rental prices across major German cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt increased by an average of 15%. The demand for rental cars, particularly from international fans, was exceptionally high, resulting in higher prices.
To find the top car hire deal, it is essential to compare prices and the best deals from multiple car hire companies and consider factors like customer popularity and ratings on search.
| City | Pre-Event (€/day) | Event Period (€/day) | Increase % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 30 | 35 | 16.70% |
| Munich | 32 | 37 | 15.60% |
| Frankfurt | 28 | 32 | 14.30% |
UK: Wimbledon and Other Events
The UK has several big events that affect public transport and increase car and van hire costs. Wimbledon, the tennis tournament, and the growing number of other events like the British Grand Prix and Premier League matches impact the car and van rental market.
- During Wimbledon 2024, prices in London went up by 12%, and thousands of people attended. Economy and premium cars were in high demand as visitors needed transport to and from the event.
France: Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is another event that affects vehicle costs in the area. During the festival, the influx of celebrities, media, and tourists means a high need for premium models and SUVs.
- During the festival in May 2024 prices in Cannes went up by 25% and luxury car hire was particularly high.
This is due to the location and specific needs of the festival attendees, customers who often want high-end vehicles.
As the hiring market changes stay up to date and you’ll make smart and cost effective hiring decisions. Prices for 2025 bookings are going up so book early and use the online website to get the very best rate guarantee. Make sure to compare prices from multiple companies to find the best car hire deal.